Publications by authors named "Kasun Wickramarachchi"

Objective Detailed quantifications of the environmental footprint of operations that include surgery, anaesthesia, and engineering are rare. We examined all such aspects to find the greenhouse gas emissions of an operation. Methods We undertook a life cycle assessment of 10 patients undergoing total knee replacements, collecting data for all surgical equipment, energy requirements for cleaning, and operating room energy use.

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Background: Health care itself contributes to climate change. Anesthesia is a "carbon hotspot," yet few data exist to compare anesthetic choices. The authors examined the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, and combined (general and spinal anesthesia) during a total knee replacement.

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